There are times when it is interesting to discuss how our creative writing is progressing. I have learnt quite a bit recently. Some of the things I am going to mention, may sound common sense; but if put into practice take more consideration and time.
As a general thing: Anything that happens in a story, ought to have consequences. Rather than something happens and then you don't hear it mentioned again; or it doesn't have an effect further down the line.
Otherwise happenings can fill-in; but they are still for a reason. The character visits his/her Mum, or he/she does errands, may sound everyday, but they are included for a reason. i.e. to give a sense of everyday routine. Plus these everyday events show how they get on with others and the sort of relationship they have with others. These happenings can also show their thoughts, daydreams and having something making them come back to the here and now.
It is better to have your character have something happen, to prevent him/her going somewhere/doing something, rather than just deciding against it. i.e. some sort of emergency or argument, or something cropped up. Or why was he/she late? This ends up creating more of a word count, than just writing that he/she walked down the road and toyed with the idea of going to the place and changed his/her mind etc. This is a bit dull really and does not give a sense of the unplanned; or a sense that he/she almost did something.
Another of my concerns is that I'm sure it could be easy to make a character one-dimensional. i.e. he/she is somebody who has done these things. These things he/she has done may be defining moments, but isn't there more to the person? It is easy to think of your character's taste in music or books or TV; but what about other experiences? e.g. relationships, what made their relationship work? Why did they fall in love? If the defining moments are negative experiences, what are the character's experiences that are more positive? There doesn't need to be a scene about your character doing somebody a favour, but it can crop up in conversation, between characters, that he/she used to help somebody out.
No doubt if you bring out these things, the reader will care more about what happens.
No doubt a story is only as good as your ideas and twists. I'm sure it is hard to find that one event/thing that makes the penny drop in your character's mind. i.e. something happens to make him/her have a change of heart. Yet it is easy to think of people they meet along the way, or little things that happen along the way, but are they big enough?
Saturday 27 August 2011
Saturday 30 April 2011
Creative Writing
Automatic writing.
For the past few weeks, I have attended a creative writing course on a Thursday evening. We started off by doing "automatic writing". We were given a phrase like "before I knew" or "now there was something to be done". Then write constantly, without changing anything. You have to by-pass your self-censorship and just write, plough on and not correct. Apparently this is a good writing exercise and with practice, the ratio of good to bad writing improves.
I find it interesting, that out comes a conversation I had with somebody a couple of years ago. I wrote about my general life experience, such as learning to drive, or moving house. After all you are not going to give away too much of yourself, to a new class, when you know you have to read it out.
I enjoyed contrasting writing when angry and writing relaxed. The short, punchy sentences, are contrasted with more poetic, descriptive sentences. Even with automatic writing, it is interesting how instinctual I was in this respect. Certainly when we were relaxed, we wrote less and took our time.
Writing based on a picture.
We have also done writing based on a visual stimulus. It is interesting what you are drawn to. I ended up picking a picture of an archway at the grounds of Attingham National Trust mansion and grounds. The amazing thing was, that a few weeks later, I actually found myself there! This was totally spontaneous and it was 4pm and my husband and I wanted to kill some time in a shop or cafe and saw a sign for the National Trust property. I instantly recognised the view as we drove through the arch.
Getting back to the actual creative writing. There were some autumn leaves on the ground and the tutor explained that if you are writing about change of seasons, that can also translate to a change of circumstances of a character, such as being between jobs. I wrote a third person descriptive as though I was stood at the arch way. Plus I described hearing a car pull up and was subsequently advised that this leads onto describing another character and who got out of the car. I was able to draft a bit of a story, in rough, describing how relaxed the character was, as she was on a rare day out, enjoying some time between jobs. Plus bumping into her nemesis from her old job, plus meeting American tourists. It is surprising how much of your past experience you can bring to your writing as I am sure most of us have met somebody you would rather have not. Or had the pleasure of chatting to somebody who is on holiday in your own country.
In class, I expected that the archway was by a car park, yet in real life, you drive through the arch as the arch is by a main road. You then have to drive quite far to get to the car park. It was interesting to see how similar, yet different the place was in reality.
Keeping a notebook.
We were advised to always carry a notebook. To write down something funny, or anything that you overhear. Plus you can write down descriptions, or collage ideas, be it people you see, or a place, so you can work things into a story.
I have found having time to kill, sitting outside Costa Coffee; or if I arrive early somewhere and sit in a car park, all good opportunities. It is surprising what I have noticed in a few minutes, something unusual tends to happen, or even something ordinary happens that I feel could be used.
Creating a character for a story
In many respects, I find it easier to describe what a character is like as a person, how he reacts to things etc, rather than what he looks like. Same with naming the person. After all, I wouldn't want to write a story about a roguish guy, who has the physical characteristics of somebody I know, or has the name of somebody I know. Nonetheless we were given a sheet of 40 questions. You would know the answers if the questions are about yourself, to do with what their handshake feels like, possessions, passions, health, making friends easily, siblings etc.
The thing that has surprised me: all too often a main character is a version of yourself! In many ways, you are drawing on past experience to write something. Then I had a crisis of conscience. I wondered if you have had to experienced something personally, in order to write a story centering around it. Or if a story is based in a place, do you need to have been there.
People were surprised by my concerns. We have all been stressed, so you can draw on how that felt, to write about a stressful situation, even if you have not been in that specific situation. There is always more to draw on than you think, especially in your imagination with regards to how you expect you would react in a situation.
In many ways you are potentially giving a lot of yourself away. Possibly the reader could wonder how much of it is autobiographical, even when you are writing about a fictional character. Yet you have the freedom to bring in bits of yourself, your past experiences, and it's all OK because it's in character!
Nonetheless, I am sure you need to do a good amount of research to write something properly. To fill in the gaps, make things plausible and realistic. Surely you should read up on a topic or meet somebody. Perhaps you could do that research as you go along, and it must be time consuming, but above all else interesting.
When we were told to write something and bring it in, I had no idea what to write. After all, we were not given a topic. Clearly the tutor doesn't want us all to be clones of each-other or her own writing style. Nonetheless a quick conversation at home, something that a friend of my husband had said to him, and something I saw on TV: I was off and my story had begun! In my story, I am very close to this character and inside his head, with his thoughts a lot of the time.
It is interesting to bring in your work for feedback with the class. There is a lot of emphasis on how a story makes you feel. That a story must make the reader feel something. Especially in terms of liking, or relating to the character, or disliking the character. You find yourself asking questions about what the character does, because you expect him/her to have done such and such. It is good to get ideas, especially with regards to how your character relates to other people. No doubt attending a creative writing class, gives you the permission and courage to write something. After all, unless told otherwise, they assume your writing is fictional.
For the past few weeks, I have attended a creative writing course on a Thursday evening. We started off by doing "automatic writing". We were given a phrase like "before I knew" or "now there was something to be done". Then write constantly, without changing anything. You have to by-pass your self-censorship and just write, plough on and not correct. Apparently this is a good writing exercise and with practice, the ratio of good to bad writing improves.
I find it interesting, that out comes a conversation I had with somebody a couple of years ago. I wrote about my general life experience, such as learning to drive, or moving house. After all you are not going to give away too much of yourself, to a new class, when you know you have to read it out.
I enjoyed contrasting writing when angry and writing relaxed. The short, punchy sentences, are contrasted with more poetic, descriptive sentences. Even with automatic writing, it is interesting how instinctual I was in this respect. Certainly when we were relaxed, we wrote less and took our time.
Writing based on a picture.
We have also done writing based on a visual stimulus. It is interesting what you are drawn to. I ended up picking a picture of an archway at the grounds of Attingham National Trust mansion and grounds. The amazing thing was, that a few weeks later, I actually found myself there! This was totally spontaneous and it was 4pm and my husband and I wanted to kill some time in a shop or cafe and saw a sign for the National Trust property. I instantly recognised the view as we drove through the arch.
Getting back to the actual creative writing. There were some autumn leaves on the ground and the tutor explained that if you are writing about change of seasons, that can also translate to a change of circumstances of a character, such as being between jobs. I wrote a third person descriptive as though I was stood at the arch way. Plus I described hearing a car pull up and was subsequently advised that this leads onto describing another character and who got out of the car. I was able to draft a bit of a story, in rough, describing how relaxed the character was, as she was on a rare day out, enjoying some time between jobs. Plus bumping into her nemesis from her old job, plus meeting American tourists. It is surprising how much of your past experience you can bring to your writing as I am sure most of us have met somebody you would rather have not. Or had the pleasure of chatting to somebody who is on holiday in your own country.
In class, I expected that the archway was by a car park, yet in real life, you drive through the arch as the arch is by a main road. You then have to drive quite far to get to the car park. It was interesting to see how similar, yet different the place was in reality.
Keeping a notebook.
We were advised to always carry a notebook. To write down something funny, or anything that you overhear. Plus you can write down descriptions, or collage ideas, be it people you see, or a place, so you can work things into a story.
I have found having time to kill, sitting outside Costa Coffee; or if I arrive early somewhere and sit in a car park, all good opportunities. It is surprising what I have noticed in a few minutes, something unusual tends to happen, or even something ordinary happens that I feel could be used.
Creating a character for a story
In many respects, I find it easier to describe what a character is like as a person, how he reacts to things etc, rather than what he looks like. Same with naming the person. After all, I wouldn't want to write a story about a roguish guy, who has the physical characteristics of somebody I know, or has the name of somebody I know. Nonetheless we were given a sheet of 40 questions. You would know the answers if the questions are about yourself, to do with what their handshake feels like, possessions, passions, health, making friends easily, siblings etc.
The thing that has surprised me: all too often a main character is a version of yourself! In many ways, you are drawing on past experience to write something. Then I had a crisis of conscience. I wondered if you have had to experienced something personally, in order to write a story centering around it. Or if a story is based in a place, do you need to have been there.
People were surprised by my concerns. We have all been stressed, so you can draw on how that felt, to write about a stressful situation, even if you have not been in that specific situation. There is always more to draw on than you think, especially in your imagination with regards to how you expect you would react in a situation.
In many ways you are potentially giving a lot of yourself away. Possibly the reader could wonder how much of it is autobiographical, even when you are writing about a fictional character. Yet you have the freedom to bring in bits of yourself, your past experiences, and it's all OK because it's in character!
Nonetheless, I am sure you need to do a good amount of research to write something properly. To fill in the gaps, make things plausible and realistic. Surely you should read up on a topic or meet somebody. Perhaps you could do that research as you go along, and it must be time consuming, but above all else interesting.
When we were told to write something and bring it in, I had no idea what to write. After all, we were not given a topic. Clearly the tutor doesn't want us all to be clones of each-other or her own writing style. Nonetheless a quick conversation at home, something that a friend of my husband had said to him, and something I saw on TV: I was off and my story had begun! In my story, I am very close to this character and inside his head, with his thoughts a lot of the time.
It is interesting to bring in your work for feedback with the class. There is a lot of emphasis on how a story makes you feel. That a story must make the reader feel something. Especially in terms of liking, or relating to the character, or disliking the character. You find yourself asking questions about what the character does, because you expect him/her to have done such and such. It is good to get ideas, especially with regards to how your character relates to other people. No doubt attending a creative writing class, gives you the permission and courage to write something. After all, unless told otherwise, they assume your writing is fictional.
Thursday 7 April 2011
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
You will be aware of a craze that has swept through department stores and gift shops during the past year or two. I find it interesting that the poster was not widely used during the war, but has captured many people's imagination several decades later. A little history keep calm
I think it is a shame that the original designer is unknown. These days the slogan is everywhere, on mugs, t-shirts and magnets, plus all over the Internet. No doubt you will have spotted many funny or rude variations of the theme. The more obvious one telling you to "Now panic and freak out".
keepcalmomatic
As you can imagine, I was in my element, when I found this website. As somebody who likes parodies or retro things, I have to say, I lost myself in this site for a couple of hours recently. You are only limited by your imagination, your hobbies and interests.
Here are examples of two of mine: The first one is rather topical, in the world of blogging.
One hobby I have is knitting. At times it needs a surprising amount of concentration and patience. I have had one or two disasters, such as an exploding knitting needle, or running out of wool. I have to say, my Mum is always on hand to rescue me if I hit a snag. I thought it was fitting to get this printed on a canvas bag as a birthday present for my Mum and at the same time, get one printed for myself.
I think it is a shame that the original designer is unknown. These days the slogan is everywhere, on mugs, t-shirts and magnets, plus all over the Internet. No doubt you will have spotted many funny or rude variations of the theme. The more obvious one telling you to "Now panic and freak out".
keepcalmomatic
As you can imagine, I was in my element, when I found this website. As somebody who likes parodies or retro things, I have to say, I lost myself in this site for a couple of hours recently. You are only limited by your imagination, your hobbies and interests.
Here are examples of two of mine: The first one is rather topical, in the world of blogging.
One hobby I have is knitting. At times it needs a surprising amount of concentration and patience. I have had one or two disasters, such as an exploding knitting needle, or running out of wool. I have to say, my Mum is always on hand to rescue me if I hit a snag. I thought it was fitting to get this printed on a canvas bag as a birthday present for my Mum and at the same time, get one printed for myself.
Monday 4 April 2011
Google celebratory images/doodle
I am sure we all take it for granted, that Google regularly post a doodle image instead of the usual logo. They are displayed to celebrate an anniversary of somebody famous, a scientist or an artist.
I have to say, I like these images. It's always a surprise when I see one, rather than the usual Google logo.
Yesterday's design really grabbed my attention. It was to celebrate the ice cream sundae!
The ice cream sundae was apparently created in 1892. Still I am not sure why a 119th anniversary was the chosen anniversary to mark, because it is hardly a round number.
It is the image that I love, this has to be one of my favourite doodles (apart from the pac-man doodle). You can almost imagine that you are sitting in a retro ice cream parlour! Is it just me, or does the doodle make you hungry for ice cream as well?
I love the retro quirkiness of this image. It is pictures like this, that wouldn't look out of place on one of those metal signs that you can buy in gift shops. (I don't mean an image to promote Google, but an image of an ice cream sundae, with a similar background). If a similar image was available to buy, I would like one, to display in the kitchen.
Perhaps not all doodles have to be technologically orientated. Why not honour the ice cream sundae! Perhaps it is important for the little things in life to be celebrated, so we don't take them for granted without ever wondering how long they have existed, or when or why they were invented. Why not celebrate a little decadence, something out of the ordinary. The invention of the dessert may not be life changing, with regards to technological progression, but we all have eaten it. We all like to indulge in a little treat now and then. Be it after a shopping trip, or a meal out with family. The ice cream sundae is of course part of everyday language, we all know what the dessert is when you see it printed on a menu.
I can think of so many occasions when I have enjoyed an ice cream sundae. You can kid yourself that if you only eat ice cream you are not eating anything too calorie-counting. To have something nice and refreshing on a hot day is always a bonus, especially if you have the chance to enjoy a sundae and not just an ice cream from an ice cream van. To have a surprise when you taste the difference ice cream flavours, or crunch your wafer, those little nuts, or indulge in the sauce that goes with it. What isn't to like about the ice cream sundae?
One way or another, I bet the doodle has reminded people about how much they like ice cream. No doubt it has made us all look forward to a nice summer day, when after all outside, it is rather grey and overcast.
I have often been surprised how difficult it is to find ice cream sundae dishes to buy for your house. I don't mean that they are rare as in a collectors item. But when we got married in 2002, they were not on our wedding list, because the department store didn't sell them. It was a few years ago, that I managed to buy some. I hope department stores are stocking up with ice cream sundae glasses, because Google may be responsible for a shortage. I bet you'll spot a few people eating a sundae over the forthcoming weeks and months.
It's interesting how an image can take you down memory lane. To times when you enjoyed eating something, to imagine looking ahead to the first ice cream sundae of the year. In the UK we have started to have some nice weather recently.
I wish we could take a claim to fame about the ice cream sundae in the UK, but sadly we cannot.
History of the sundae
I wonder what other Google logo variations we will see this year.
Tuesday 22 March 2011
LIFE IS...
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| © Copyright. Its all about ambivalence |
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| © Copyright. Its all about ambivalence |
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| © Copyright. Its all about ambivalence |
I hope you like these image quotes. I got the idea from some quotes that are on three fridge magnets, that I purchased recently. I often like to browse and look at fridge magnets in gift shops; be it on a day out, or on holiday, or even at the motorway services. Quite often there are amusing or inspiring quotes on a magnet and it can be quite easy to find something that reflects your circumstances.
Monday 14 March 2011
30 INSPIRING SONGS.
I have always liked music with an inspiring or uplifting message. After all don’t we all need that extra strength and determination to get through a bad set of circumstances?
I have compiled a list of personal favourites that I consider to be the best inspirational or motivational songs. As always this list reflects my eclectic music taste; some music, being more recent, other songs being a bit older. I cannot even begin to rate these in an order, as all these singers are legends and very talented.
Do take some time to look up these songs and have a listen. Is your favourite inspirational song listed? Which songs have inspired you the most?
- Katy Perry – Firework
- Eminem – Not Afraid
- Boy George – Yes we can
- Boy George – Turn to dust
- La Roux – Bulletproof
- Gabriella Cilmi – On a mission
- Christina Aguilera – Soar
- Christina Aguilera – Fighter
- Avril Lavigne – Keep holding on
- Alicia Keys – Superwoman
- Jordin Sparks – One step at a time
- Gabrielle – Dreams
- Sammy Davis Jr - The Impossible Dream – (there are 75 singers who have sung The Impossible Dream. Do take a look at i-Tunes or Wikipedia to find a version you like).
- Marvin Gaye – Aint no mountain high enough (Or Diana Ross’s version)
- Nina Simone – I shall be released (Bob Dylan also sang ‘I shall be released’)
- Nina Simone – Feeling good
- Nina Simone – Please don’t let me be misunderstood
- Stevie Wonder – Don’t worry about a thing
- Bobby McFerrin – Don’t worry, be happy (Or Jimmy Cliff’s version)
- Ben E. King - Stand by me
- Louis Armstrong – What a wonderful world
- Lighthouse Family – Be happy
- Lighthouse Family – Lifted
- K’Jon – On the ocean
- Seal – A change is coming (Or if you prefer Sam Cooke’s version)
- Sade – Soldier of love
- Johnny Nash – I can see clearly now
- Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush – Don’t give up
- Snap – I’ve got the power
- Queen – The show must go on
Wednesday 9 March 2011
PLEASE KEEP TO THE PATH
http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/martin-mere
Out of all the exotic birds, it was this pair of native mallards who caught my eye. I like the sign because it is a positive sign, telling you to keep to the path, rather than keep off the grass. Of course you could pass by this sign and not be able to take such an endearing and comical image again. Needless to say, the ducks sat there, for most of the afternoon. This was until of course, a young child ran across and disturbed them.
Monday 28 February 2011
Sunday 27 February 2011
FREEDOM QUOTES ~ 8 & 9
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| © Copyright. Its all about ambivalence |
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| © Copyright. Its all about ambivalence |
Thursday 24 February 2011
Wednesday 23 February 2011
The Axis of Awesome - How to Write a Love Song
I saw "The Axis of Awesome" for the first time recently on Jason Manford's TV show. They performed "How to write a love song" and I really couldn't stop laughing and relating to so much of what they were singing. I certainly think they are very funny and this song is such a true parody of a lot of music out there.
I hope you don't think I have included these sorts of "cliche love songs" in my blog ha-ha. I do believe this is the reason why people say they don't like love songs, because they think they are all the same and are all "Totally generic love songs".
I have to say, this is quite topical for me, as we have recently had Valentine's day. Plus as you know, I have posted quite a bit about romantic music, love quotes and have posted three of my own romantic poems.
If there is a UK tour at some point, I'll certainly get tickets. In the meantime I am certainly looking up other comedy songs of theirs.
Overall they clearly have musical and comedy song writing talent. I am sure The Axis of Awesome can only write the songs they do through having a lot of music knowledge.
I hope you enjoy watching this as much as I have.
Tuesday 22 February 2011
Monday 21 February 2011
Sunday 20 February 2011
Saturday 19 February 2011
FREEDOM QUOTE ~ 2
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| Alcatraz © It's all about ambivalence Stone walls do not a prison make Nor iron bars a cage; Minds innocent and quiet take That for an hermitage; If I have freedom in my love, And in my soul am free; Angels alone, that soar above, Enjoy such liberty. ~Richard Lovelace |
Wednesday 16 February 2011
21 SONGS ABOUT FREEDOM
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| Leo Blanchette. |
Freedom is a concept close to everybody’s heart; therefore it is no wonder, that so many people have written songs about it.
Here is a compiled list of my personal favourites. They are listed because I believe they give a strong message and get a positive statement across. Do take your time and look these up and have a listen. What do you think? Are your favourite songs about freedom listed? Or can you think of any more that you like?
- Stevie Wonder – Free
- The Cinematic Orchestra – Talking about Freedom
- Fontella Bass – Talking About Freedom
- Arethra Franklin – Think Freedom
- Bob Marley – Get up, stand up
- Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues
- Boy George – Pentonville Blues
- George Michael – Freedom
- Jimi Hendrix – Freedom
- The Soup Dragons – I’m Free
- Paul McCartney – Freedom
- David Bowie – Changes
- Bob Dylan – Blowing in the wind
- Run Kid Run - Freedom
- K’naan – Give me freedom, give me fire
- Queen – I want to break free
- Elton John – Philadelphia Freedom
- Erasure – Freedom
- Jurassic 5 – Freedom
- Akon – Freedom
- Lighthouse Family - I wish I know how it would feel to be free
Saturday 12 February 2011
SNOWDROPS BRING HOPE & OPTIMISM.
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Common Snowdrop (Galanthus)
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Recently I read that the UK cold winter, had delayed the snowdrops and that some have struggled to bloom. Nonetheless, for the past week or so, we have had warmer weather. Once again, our dainty little flowers are peeping in a cheeky way, to greet you, as you arrive or leave the house.
Our small collection of snowdrops, are a pleasing sight; a surprise when they return year after year at the front of our house. We may not be having spring-like weather just yet, but they are supposed to mark the start of spring. As they are the first flowers of the year to bloom, I believe, the arrival of snowdrops, signifies new beginnings and optimism for the forthcoming months. After all, Christmas is over and done with, and we have all settled into 2011.
According to http://www.stressmanagement.co.uk Snowdrops herald the arrival of the Celtic goddess, thus helping to reduce stress. She is considered to be the Goddess of Healing, fertility in nature, crops, livestock and protector as a mid-wife welcoming all new arrivals. I can see why, because you would have to be very hard-hearted not to stop and feel some connection to nature, when you see these flowers. I love nature and the outdoors, but over the winter, those experiences are often lacking. These little flowers make me feel more connected with nature again.
I certainly believe in any ancient wisdom, or biblical references, that connect people and nature, or describe a spiritual experience, being at one with nature. Although we live in the middle of a large town, with cars or pedestrians rushing by, our snowdrops give a little bit of calm as you set off on your journey. I may not have experienced true nature this morning, when taking my Snowdrops photo. All I had to do, was take a couple of steps out of the front door. Yet I had a little oasis, away from any Saturday morning comings and goings.
The bulbs must have been planted 10 years ago, because the snowdrops were a surprise the first winter, we lived in our house. As you might expect, a lot of the garden was overgrown, with few nice plants or flowers. Therefore it is nice to see that at least one thing, lives on, that the previous house-owner liked.
I am not alone, in feeling the optimism and hope, when spotting the iconic snowdrops. It’s no wonder the bulbs have become a cash crop and a visitor attraction.
As a child, I was taken to a lot of large public gardens in England. Then in my adult life, I preferred more open spaces in the hills or coast. Yet I am inspired to visit somewhere with a lot of snowdrops on show. Perhaps it would be a pleasing sight to see a bigger collection of snowdrops, which would also mark our first outing of the year, away from our town.
There are quite a few gardens in England, with a good display of Snowdrops. Some of which, must only be an hour or so, from where we live. Why not make a new tradition at the end of January or start of February?
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Best Love Quotes
Ever wondered what to write on a Valentines Day card? Look no further because I have gathered together some of the most inspirational love quotes.
“Even logical positivists are capable of love”
~ A.J. Ayer
“Eternity is love with the production of time”
~ William Blake
“Love seeketh not itself to please, nor for itself hath any care,
but for another gives its ease, and builds a Heaven in Hell's despair”
~ William Blake
"Take away love, and our earth is a tomb"
~ Robert Browning
~ Robert Browning
“The falling out of lovers is the renewing of love”
~ Robert Burton
“A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge”
~ Thomas Carlyle
~ Thomas Carlyle
“Love is wiser than ambition”
~ Barry Cornwall
"Life has taught us that love
does not consist in gazing at each other,
does not consist in gazing at each other,
but in looking outward together in the same direction"
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
“Love knows no mean or measure”
~ Phineas Fletcher
“Love’s sooner felt than seen”
~ Phineas Fletcher
“Love is a game that two can play and both win”
~Eva Gabor
~Eva Gabor
“Love is a circle that doth restless move,
in the same sweet eternity of love”
in the same sweet eternity of love”
~ Robert Herrick
“If I know what love is, it is because of you"
~ Herman Hesse
“Love and a red rose can’t be hid”
~ Thomas Holcroft
“We come to love not by finding a perfect person,
but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly"
~ Sam Keen
~ Sam Keen
“Affection is responsible for nine-tenths
of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives”
~ C. S. Lewis
~ C. S. Lewis
“In true love the smallest distance is too great,
and the greatest distance can be bridged"
~ Hans Nouwens
and the greatest distance can be bridged"
~ Hans Nouwens
“The course of true love never did run smooth”
~ William Shakespeare
“O! How this spring of love resembleth
the uncertain glory of an April day.
Which now shows all the beauty of the sun.
And by a cloud takes all away”
the uncertain glory of an April day.
Which now shows all the beauty of the sun.
And by a cloud takes all away”
~ William Shakespeare
“And all for love and nothing for reward”
~ Edmund Spencer
“A very small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of love”
~ Stendhal
~ Stendhal
“Love is love forevermore”
~ Tennyson
"Love is friendship set on fire"
~ Jeremy Taylor
~ Jeremy Taylor
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
while loving someone deeply gives you courage”
~ Lao Tzu
~ Lao Tzu
“I love you not because of who you are,
but because of who I am when I am with you"
~ Unknown
~ Unknown
“His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love”
~ William Wordsworth
References:
http://www.brainyquote.com
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. (1981)
Oxford Dictionary of Humorous Quotations (2004)
A Dictionary of Quotations
Tuesday 8 February 2011
20 LOVE SONGS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE HEARD FOR A WHILE
- You belong to me - Dean Martin
- Close to You -The Carpenters
- Old Devil Called Love - Alison Moyet
- Lovestruck - Duffy
- I do - Jewel
- Hero - Enrique Iglasias
- Here with me - Dido
- Hello - Lionel Richie
- Only you - Alison Moyet
- Wicked Game - Chris Isaak
- Miracle of love - Eurythmics
- Is it love? - Nadia Ali
- Nine billion bicycles - Katy Melua
- Runaway - The Corrs
- What’s Love Got To Do With it - Tina Turner
- Take my breath away- Berlin
- Is this love? - Alison Moyet
- Eternal Flame - Bangles
- Three Times A Lady - The Commodores
- Broken Wings - Mr Mister
If you are making a playlist, I hope you can find plenty of music you like, either from this list, or from my initial lists at:
Friday 4 February 2011
BLOGGING WITHOUT OBLIGATION
People have been blogging for over 10 years. Perhaps at some point, every other person has thought of doing a blog. Some will have continued, others given up on, perhapas because people are busy with everyday life.
I have read so many blog posts, where somebody has apologised for not posting for a while. It's a shame people feel guilty about that, after all it's not their job; it's supposed to be for themselves, or a hobby. That means that you do it in your own time, as often or as little as you feel like it. When you create your blog, you do not sign a contract, or stipulate in advance how often you will do a blog post!
Perhaps the frequency of blog posts depends on the nature of your blog, your topics and your inspiration. I personally don't see the point in blogging random blather, just to ensure you have posted recently.
On the right, you will have read my ideas for forthcoming blog posts. Over time this may change, but I will blog when I am inspired to. I am not going to blog about every minutiae of my life, or blog every time I go somewhere, or have a problem. Not only do I value my privacy, but I am blogging as escapism.
In that respect, I am inspired to post this because I agree with the "Blogging without obligation" cause.
I take this opportunity in advance, not to apologise for occasions when I have not blogged for a while. I really don't think that blogging should turn into a burden, where you think "that's another thing I have to fit in today or later in the week". That would defeat the object, wouldn’t it?
If I spend too much time blogging, perhaps the novelty will wear off, and before I know it, I'll become busy with other things and not bother. That would be a shame if you start off with such enthusiasm and it fizzles out.
Certainly if something is a hobby, it shouldn't become a stress or a chore. You may have a vague target at the back of your mind, but perhaps that should be approximate. In case your circumstances change, or your inspiration changes, that approximate target should change.
I feel encouraged by my gradually growing following. People seem to like these romantic poems and some people have said they can relate to them. A while ago, somebody said that one of my earlier posts was thought provoking. That's the aim of the game, to write something thought-provoking, something inspiring or something that people may relate to, or find funny. That may be no mean feat in itself, without carving in stone, the frequency of a blogging obligation.
Perhaps some people’s anxiety about blogging frequency stems from the number of followers. Perhaps people will think that people will un-follow if they don’t blog for a bit, or that they will not attract new people. Let’s face it, we all know how it is and that there will be times, when we blog and times when we cannot. Granted I’m sure it does defeat the object if you blog and you think nobody is reading it though.
Another thing is that perhaps we are all spending increasing amounts of times online. There is the checking of your e-mails, forums, Twitter and or Facebook. Checking your blog replies and posting new blog posts, is of course another thing to keep an eye on. As is the time you take to read other people’s blogs and posting replies to their topics. It can also be time consuming promoting your blog and perhaps it is possible to spend as much time promoting it, as you do actually writing it!
It pays not too get too involved on the Internet, too intense, or too personal and give away too much about yourself. Time and time again, I have heard bad stories about Facebook, bullying, accusations, some of which serious and un-founded. The last thing I want is for blogging to turn into a problem in itself in that way. Perhaps the more time you spend online, you increase the chance of saying something that somebody would take the wrong way, or yourself taking something badly.
As far as developing the blog and blogging frequency, perhaps we should all see how it goes. Life is busy or stressful enough. No doubt any blog will take on a life of its own and develop over time. No doubt there is a learning curve when it comes to blogging and how things progress must also feel right for you. Rest assured that changes in my blogging frequency will be for a reason e.g. I’m ill, I’m busy, changes in inspiration, or spending too much time online.
Thursday 3 February 2011
ROMANTIC POEM 3
Is it lust or is it love?
Is it lust or is it love?
The instant connection,
As our bodies embrace
The relaxing yet tingling passion.
I know there has been a lot of flirtation.
We have not known each-other long,
Just fun times together, never an obsession.
Who knows, our love may grow strong.
I know we have to keep things simple,
Yet sometimes, our time has been blissful.
We will see how it goes;
I know it is too soon to be in love.
At least there are no rows.
Let’s not make the stakes too high,
Until the weekend, this is goodbye.
People said you are a charmer.
You may be a little bit romantic,
Who knows if you’ll become,
My knight in shining armour.
Looking forwards, all futuristic.
Copyright ©
It's all about ambivalence
Wednesday 2 February 2011
ROMANTIC POEM 2
OUR LOVE IS LIKE A DREAM.
If you could count the stars in the night sky,
It would be like my love, I cannot deny.
My love for you, is in my heart and in my head,
When I am awake and when I am in bed.
Our love has always been a natural progression,
Our love will continue with the same momentum.
My love for you has a comforting certainty,
Simply like the ticking of a clock.
Your love moves in never-ending circles,
Always and forever moving clockwise.
Our long-lasting love is simply destiny.
I know that we have love, which will always last.
Our love is much more than just company,
Yet loneliness is a thing of the past.
Our love means we are never at a loose end.
You are my lover and my best friend
Copyright ©
It's all about ambivalence
ROMANTIC POEM
YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION AND MY MOTIVATION.
Our love is walking along the same path,
Being able to make each-other laugh
Our love is lending a compassionate ear,
Showing that we care whatever we fear.
Our love grows, whatever we face,
We know when to hug, and when to embrace.
Our love is about always sharing our life,
We share our joy and share our grief.
Our love is about teamwork and dedication,
Keeping an open mind and discarding disbelief.
This makes us a good husband, and a good wife.
Our love will last the duration.
Copyright ©
It's all about ambivalence
Friday 28 January 2011
THE BEST ROMANTIC SONGS - both obvious and alternative
It will soon be Valentines Day, a day to celebrate new or long-lasting relationships. With this occasion in mind, I have been thinking about romantic music; music that I like and don't like.
I have never purchased a CD of romantic songs, because they may contain songs that I don't like, songs to skip through because you think they are a cliché. This is where i-tunes has come into its own for me. A chance to create my own double CD, every song my taste. Some songs are either on CDs that I already had, others I had downloaded in the past. Nonetheless it has been a chance to improve my music knowledge and download a few new songs. Also I have done what I always said I wouldn't: buy something twice! There are a few that I have on cassette tape, that I liked so much, they deserved a download.
Having given listened to many songs and given this the time it deserved; I decided that there are more romantic songs that are to my taste than I initially thought. Time and time again, the same songs appear on people's lists. Granted I am listing many of those, but hopefully I am including some others that may not initially spring to mind.
This isn't in order of favourites because I couldn't even begin to rank or rebuke these singers. Nonetheless I have a varied music taste, some are from the past and some are more recent.
Here is my comprehensive list of the best romantic songs.
1. L.O.V.E. - Nat King Cole
2. L.O.V.E. - Joss Stone
3. Come away with me - Norah Jones
4. When I close my eyes - Shanice
5. I love your smile - Shanice
6. Sign your name - Terence Trent D'Arby
7. Be without you - Mary J Blige
8. As (ft Mary J Blige) - George Michael
9. You are the sunshine of my life - Stevie Wonder
10. I just called to say I love you - Stevie Wonder
11. All I want is you - Miguel & J. Cole
12. Marry you - Bruno Mars
13. Just the way you are - Bruno Mars
14. Grenade - Bruno Mars
15. I want you - Cee Lo Green
16. It's OK - Cee Lo Green
17. Fool for you - Cee Lo Green Ft Philip Bailey
18. Old Fashioned - Cee Lo Green
19. Without you - Mariah Carey
20. I got you babe - Sonny and Cher
21. Circle of life - Elton John
22. Truly madly deeply - Savage Garden
23. The way you make me feel - Ronan Keeting
24. Love letters - Ketty Lester
25. Love will keep us together - Neil Sedaka
26. My heart - Lizz Wright
27. The One I love - R.E.M
28. You're still the one - Shania Twain
29. I won't leave you lonely - Shania Twain
30. Let my love walk in Wanda Jackson
31. Big bad handsome man - Imelda May
32. Love Tatto - Imelda May
33. Johnny got a boom boom - Imelda May
34. Stupid Cupid - Connie Francis
35. Don't let me be misunderstoon - Nina Simone
36. I put a spell on you - Nina Simone
37. Now or never - Wiley and Jodie Connor
38. Kickstarts - Example
Understanding that my husband and I don't always share the same taste in music. We often banter about that, me saying that he has a narrow taste in music, and him wondering what on earth I'm listening to!
As a gift for Valentines day, I created a playlist, of songs that I hope he'll like.
I think you have to put more effort in finding indie/alternative type love songs. I found that a lot are anti-love or to do with break-ups. I know that can be said for any music genre, but it seemed even more so, when trying to make an alternative love songs playlist.
I hope I have selected well and that anybody who doesn't like my immediate choice above, will like this selection:
Alternative Love Songs
1. Toothpaste Kisses - The Maccabees
2. Echo - Incubus
3. Love should - Moby
4. She's so lovely - Scouting for girls
5. Love you but your'e green - Babyshambles
6. Baby I'm yours - Arctic Monkeys and the Newell Octet
7. 505 - Arctic Monkeys
8. Somebody told me - The Killers
9. Auf Achse - Franz Ferdinand
10. Love's not a competition (But I'm winning) - Kaiser Chiefs
11. As the cold rain falls - Tiger Army
12. Are you gonna be my girl - Jet
13. Baby, I love you - Ramones
14. Hand in glove - The Smiths.
15. Inevitable by Anberlin
With thanks to: http://shepaintsmeblue.wordpress.com/ because this is my favourite from this blogger's list.
I am interested to know what you think of either, or both of the above lists. Which songs do you like? Which would you add? Which romantic songs are your favourites?
Thank-you to:http://free-valentine-clipart.blogspot.com/
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